Convert's Conscience
Editorial in the Times of India, Bombay, 29th October, 2002.
Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's recent ordinance on religious conversions has opened a Pandora's box. While the Sangh Parivar has approved the move, minority organisations have condemned it. Dalit leader Udit Raj, who converted to Buddhism last year, describes the ordinance as a ploy to divert attention from real issues. In an interview with Andalib Akhter, he holds the Parivar responsible for the growing incidence of conversions.
How do you see the Tamil Nadu government's ordinance on religious conversions?
The ordinance is nothing but an attempt by the Jayalalithaa government ot placate the forces of Hindutva. It is part of her effort to appease the Parivar — to bail her out of corruption charges. She wants to divert attention from basic issues like the Cauvery crisis, unemployment, poverty, etc. Ironically, her 'conversion' to the BJP ideology is itself due to 'allurement' or 'pressure.'
What is wrong with the ordinance?
What is right with it? It is just an attempt to browbeat minorities and Dalits. It has serious constitutional implications for every citizen's fundamental right, under Article 25, to practise, profess and propagate his or her religion.
But doesn't the ordinance only apply to conversions done by force or fradulent means?
Religious faith is a matter of mind and heart. No one can be forced to change one's faith by coercion or fraudulent means. A person changes his religion only when he is himself inclined to do so. Moreover, no religion sanctions forced conversions. It is against the norm of all religions. If someone employs force or fraudulent means to convert, then there are enought provisions under the Constitution to deal with the guilty. the ordinance is just a way of intimidating Dalits and minorities. We are approaching the Supreme Court against the ordinance.
What do think are the main reasons behind the conversion of Dalits?
Ostracism is one. Inhuman treatment of Dalits is another. In many parts of rural India, Dalits are still not allowed to enter the village temple or draw water from the village well. How long can anyone tolerate this kind of discrimination and ostracisation in the modern era? It is not Islam, Christianity or Buddhism, but the treatment of Dalits in Hindu society that's forcing many to leave the fold. Interestingly, conversions have gone up since the time the BJP came to power.
Is there any way to stop conversions?
Yes, there is. But it is in the hands of Hindu leaders and Shankaracharyas. They can stop conversions by bringing social and economic changes in society. The seats of the four Shankaracharyas should be equally distributed among the four varnas, including Dalits, so that they can join the social mainstream.
Critics say that unchecked conversion will give rise to anti-national feelings.
This is yet another canard spread by vested interests. It is wrong to say that conversion lead to anti-nationalism. I converted to Buddhism but does tha mean I've become anti-national? The converts are citizens of India; they live in the smae environment. It is wrong to accuse them of being anti-national. In fact, voluntary conversions will help in the development of the nation. When openness is being propagated in all areas, why not in the matters of religion? Let there be an open and helathy competition in the religious field too.
Like many Dalit leaders, you too favour unity between Dalits and Muslims. Why?
I agree there's nothing new in this. But that doesn't make it invalid. The fact is both communities are socially, economically and educationally backward. They should jointly fight to achieve the goal of equality. Unity and cooperation between Dalits and Muslims is a must for their upliftment.
But in Gujarat even Dalits are said to have sided with the rioters.
I have also seen such reports but the extent of Dalit participation has been exaggerated. Yes, some Dalits were misled but now they too are realising their folly. Dalits who uphold caste traditions and discriminatory cultural and religious practices, mught be subconscously acting out of ignorance, regarding Muslims as their enemy. Dalits must realise that it wasn't Muslims or Christians who made them untouchable, poor and landless.
At a recent conference of the 'Save India Movement,' which some Muslim organisations also supported, we gave a message to the Dalits that they should not regard Muslims and other minorities as adversaries. After a riot, it is the Dalits who are victimised by the administration as well as the so-called upper castes. If this logic is understood, then the frequency and intensity of communal riots will come down.
Many Muslims feel that you might eventually ditch the interests of the community in the same way that Mayawati has.
The BSP has not only ditched Muslims but Dalits also. The lady who used to cry against the Manuwadists has now become a puppet in the hands of the same forces. She has malighned the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar, just for power. I assure you that you will not find me in those muddy waters.